Overview

For Student Success and Career Development, or Critical Thinking courses.Written by two of the leading experts in the field, this book's approach to critical thinking is as a process for taking charge of and responsibility for one’s thinking.

Critical Thinking is based in theory developed over the last 30 years, it focuses on an integrated, comprehensive concept of critical thinking that is both substantive and practical; it fosters the development of basic intellectual skills students need to think through content in any class, subject, or discipline, as well as through any problem or issue they face. Simply stated, this text offers students the intellectual tools they need for lifelong learning, and rational, conscientious living. In this edition, several advanced chapters were eliminated, many diagrams have been added or enhanced, and the glossary of critical thinking terms has been more strongly developed. The authors’ website provides valuable resources to enhance students' development as thinkers www.criticalthinking.org

Table of contents

Preface

INTRODUCTION

A Start-Up Definition of Critical Thinking

How Skilled Are You as a Thinker?

Good Thinking Requires Hard Work

The Concept of Critical Thinking

Become a Critic of Your Thinking

Establish New Habits of Thought

Develop Confidence in Your Ability to Reason and Figure Things Out

Chapter 1 - BECOME A FAIRMINDED THINKER

Weak versus Strong Critical Thinking

What Does Fairmindedness Require?

Intellectual Humility: Strive to Discover the Extent of Your Ignorance

Intellectual

Courage: Develop the Courage to Challenge Popular Beliefs

Intellectual Empathy:

Learn to Enter Opposing Views Empathically

Intellectual Integrity: Hold Yourself

to the Same Standards to Which You Hold Others

Intellectual Perseverance:Refuse to Give Up Easily; Work Your Way through Complexities and Frustration

Confidence in Reason: Respect Evidence and Reasoning, and Value Them as Tools

for Discovering the Truth

Intellectual Autonomy: Value Independence of Thought

Recognize the Interdependence of Intellectual Virtues

Conclusion

Chapter 2 - THE FIRST FOUR STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT: AT WHAT LEVEL OF THINKING WOULD YOU PLACE YOURSELF?